Deputy Uses Patrol Vehicle to Help Rescue Occupants From Fiery Franklin County Crash

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Franklin County sheriff’s deputy helped rescue occupants trapped in a vehicle after a fiery head-on collision late Friday night.

The crash happened at approximately 11:39 p.m. Oct. 9 at the intersection of Highway 17 and Old Highway 17, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Chance Ford arrived to find two heavily damaged vehicles — a Mazda and a Ford Escape — involved in the collision. Multiple people were trapped, and the Ford Escape was engulfed in flames.

As bystanders worked to free occupants from the Mazda, Ford joined the rescue effort. After several unsuccessful attempts to open the vehicle’s doors, he used a window punch to break the passenger-side window.

With the fire intensifying and the two vehicles positioned dangerously close together, Ford recognized the risk that the flames could spread to the Mazda.

Ford then used his patrol vehicle to carefully push the Mazda away from the burning Ford Escape, creating additional separation between the vehicles.

Wet roadway conditions limited how far the Mazda could be moved, according to the sheriff’s office, but the maneuver provided additional distance while firefighters and EMS personnel responded.

Firefighters and EMS crews arrived shortly afterward, extinguished the fire and extricated a passenger. Emergency medical personnel also provided treatment at the scene.

Additional Franklin County deputies helped secure the crash scene and provide access for emergency responders.

The Georgia State Patrol responded and assumed responsibility for the crash investigation. The sheriff’s office did not release information about the conditions of those involved.

Franklin County Sheriff Scott Andrews commended Ford for his actions during the incident, citing his quick thinking and willingness to put himself in danger to help those trapped in the crash.

The sheriff’s office also expressed appreciation for the firefighters, EMS personnel, deputies, bystanders and Georgia State Patrol troopers who assisted at the scene.